The ANR Awards of 2024 are set to take the stage on October 28, amidst the vibrant cityscape of Hyderabad. This year’s event carries a special aura of nostalgia and reverence as it aligns with the centenary celebrations of the legendary actor Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR). The commemoration pays homage to ANR’s indelible mark on Indian cinema, further underscoring the family’s ongoing commitment to preserving cinematic heritage. An iconic presence in his own right, Amitabh Bachchan will grace the ceremony to honor another stalwart of Telugu cinema, Chiranjeevi, with this year’s illustrious ANR Award.
In an exclusive conversation with The Hindu, actor and producer Nagarjuna Akkineni shared insights into the importance and legacy of the ANR Awards. Speaking amidst his bustling schedule at the Annapurna Studios in Hyderabad, he conveyed the awards’ essence as a celebration of extraordinary and invaluable contributions to Indian cinema. Nagarjuna highlighted past recipient SS Rajamouli as a hallmark of these values, recognizing the director’s success in catapulting Indian cinema to the global stage. “Rajamouli has made international acclaim commercial for Indian films on an unparalleled scale,” he stated, emphasizing the seismic shift in global perception and commercial reception brought by Rajamouli’s innovative storytelling.
This year, the honor will be bestowed upon Chiranjeevi, whom Nagarjuna describes as an integral part of Telugu cinema’s history. “Chiranjeevi is emblematic of my father’s vision,” Nagarjuna noted, referencing ANR’s belief in cinema as a universal form of entertainment. Chiranjeevi’s films, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers, echo a widespread celebration across the nation. Beyond his cinematic achievements, Chiranjeevi’s charitable work, notably through his blood bank initiative and other philanthropic ventures, further cements his legacy as a holistic contributor to society.
The ANR centenary celebrations have seen an array of tributes, reflecting both personal and public admiration for the late actor. A statue commemorating ANR was unveiled earlier this year at the Annapurna Studios, alongside the release of a commemorative postal stamp. Further honoring his cinematic legacy, ten of ANR’s Telugu classics have been restored and screened across India, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Film Heritage Foundation and the National Film Archives of India (NFAI).
Nagarjuna shed light on the film restoration process, underscoring the challenges associated with preserving classics from the golden age of Indian cinema. “Sadly, many prints of Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi films have not been archived properly,” he remarked, noting the substantial costs involved in restoring a film to its original splendor. He referenced “Geethanjali,” a classic from his own repertoire, as an example of this challenge, with its negatives deteriorating and positives long lost. The painstaking process of converting aged footage into 4K digital format is emblematic of the restoration efforts underway at Annapurna Studios.
Among the restored works are 21 films featuring ANR, with ten selected for public screenings, and further restorations in progress.
. Nagarjuna shared a personal account of watching the restored version of “Devadasu,” an experience he described as akin to traversing a time portal. “It was incredible to see, and hear, it with newfound clarity,” he recounted. All films produced by ANR and Annapurna Studios have been meticulously preserved, aligning with ANR’s foresight in film preservation.
Plans are under discussion to make these restored gems accessible through digital platforms. While many satellite rights are currently held by television networks, potential collaborations with platforms or a dedicated NFAI channel could allow audiences to enjoy these classics anew, fostering a broader appreciation among film enthusiasts across the globe.
Nagarjuna’s dedication to sustaining his father’s vision extends beyond restoration. The Annapurna College of Film and Media serves as a breeding ground for the next generation of cinematic talent. “Our alumni have achieved remarkable recognition,” Nagarjuna proudly mentions, citing the success of “Aarambham,” a film made by former students. Their short films have gained traction at international film festivals, underscoring the institution’s pivotal role in nurturing creative minds.
Looking ahead, Nagarjuna remains vigilant in exploring future-oriented advancements at Annapurna Studios. Noteworthy is the incorporation of a Virtual Production Stage, alongside plans to integrate cutting-edge technology in post-production. He highlighted AI as an evolving tool, offering new dimensions to creativity across various facets of filmmaking. “AI will revolutionize our roles as actors, especially across languages,” Nagarjuna enthused, promising an exciting era of technological synergy in creative processes.
Discussing his current projects, Nagarjuna revealed his involvement in the Tamil film “Coolie,” directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj and starring Rajinikanth. He recounted his eagerness to collaborate with Lokesh, styled by admiration for Kanagaraj’s past works like “Kaithi” and “Vikram.” Describing his 15-day filming experience for “Coolie” as gratifying, Nagarjuna appeared enthusiastic about his role. He is also working on “Kubera” by director Sekhar Kammula, co-starring Dhanush, which presents a contrasting character to that in “Coolie.” He shares a positive dynamic with Sekhar, appreciating the director’s focus on authenticity in portrayal, even if it means adapting to a different walk.
As the ANR Awards 2024 prepare to unfold, the legacy of Akkineni Nageswara Rao continues to inspire and shape the narrative of Indian cinema, invigorating an enduring commitment to cultural preservation and celebration.
